2003 Mercedes Benz Sl55 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2) · Fuel System, Gasoline (2) · Electrical System (2)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (42)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2026-09-22 · LI42.10-P-078779 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint repeat workshop visit for vehicle vibration while braking from 60mph. note: although the symptom is similar to a tire or wheel vibration, it is usually readily noticeable that it is distinctly different if it happens at all times or only while braking. cause although the cause of the vibra
Structure:body 2026-09-14 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Structure:body 2026-08-06 · LI82.62-P-078631 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint clanking noise from the area of the speakers in the doors. cause under analysis. remedy to narrow down the cause, first of all remove the door trim. • if the noise continues to occur even with the door trim removed, then continue the diagnosis working towards the speaker and if necessary,
Power Train 2026-07-14 · LI35.30-P-058566 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). the noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. note: sound file in attachment cause if the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar n
Visibility/Wiper 2026-05-19 · LI82.30-P-059239 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint there are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: a: wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering b: the windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) c: during the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the a-pillar
Exterior Lighting 2026-04-16 · LI82.10-P-078301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
complaint headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. cause fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. it does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. if a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the l
Showing the 6 most recent of 42 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2023-11-27 · Electrical System · 🔥 fire“the battery control module (known as the bcm or bns) failed, triggering a fire. the incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in a garage and had not been operated for several weeks. the fire consumed the module, insulation on wiring connected to and close to the module, part of the trunk lining material, and burned through a total of five hyd…”
2023-04-29 · Electrical System · 🔥 fire“it appears the bcm (battery control module) caught fire and burned a significant portion of the trunk and associated wiring.…”
2023-04-28 · Unknown Or Other“my car (the sl55 and all sl models) has a "battery control module" (bcm) also referred to as the "battery stabilization control load module" which shows signs of imminent failure which will lead to a meltdown or fire. i inspected the module after finding that this was a common problem with these cars online. this model of car has been documented to…”
2015-08-26 · Power Train · 33,416 mi“plastic piece on gearshift assembly broke not allowing car to be placed in gear. is apparently a problem with 1000's of these cars based on internet search. contacted mercedes and they said not their problem. they charge $1300.00 to fix the problem. they stated to save money on this part being replaced to take a mallet and finish breaking piec…”
2013-08-03 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 61,165 mi“internal gas tank baffle has come loose inside the gas tank. this causes a consistent and very annoying rattling sound. *tr…”
2012-12-17 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 54,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz sl55 amg. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he could hear something moving abnormally within the fuel tank. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that he needed to replace the fuel tank. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and…”
2010-07-19 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 45,600 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz sl55. when the vehicle was turned on noise was near the brake system and there were no warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. the mechanic stated that the sbc hydraulic system was inoperable and there was no communication with the pump motor. nhtsa recall 04v296000, …”
2009-10-19 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 23,285 mi“defective fuel tank baffles. fuel tank baffle(s) come loose and bounce around inside tank banging the sides of the fuel tank. *tr…”
2009-04-20 · Suspension · 60,000 mi“abc suspension system and intercooler pump for turbo failed on 2003 sl55 amg. very common problem on these vehicles as evidenced on the mb boards. recall should be issued. *tr…”
2008-05-13 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 22,000 mi · 💥 crash“i was having some trouble with the brakes, i brought the car back into the shop 3 times to let them know that the brakes were failing - once i almost ran a pedestrian over as i tried to stop and the vehicle brakes appeared to not work at all - the hydraulic system they say does nothing. another time pulling into a parking space no brakes again and…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.